Jacqueline Webber (right) and her husband brave the heat on Thursday along Victoria Street (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

HOMELESS IN THE HEAT

Homeless population struggling during Kamloops’ first heatwave

Jul 30, 2020 | 3:38 PM

KAMLOOPS — All Jacqueline Webber can do to stay cool is fan her face. But that doesn’t do the trick in this kind heatwave.

“Right now, we’re just drinking lots of water, trying to find as much shade as we can,” she said.

Her spot along Victoria Street is one of few places to get some refuge, but finding good shade where she and her husband can stay all day is a challenge.

“It’s really hot and not much shade around here to be in,” she said. “The bylaw comes along and tells us to move.”

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The homeless in Kamloops have struggled this week and the city’s first heatwave. The temperatures were expected to hit 39°C on Thursday.

“With the heat and the population we serve is the most inclined to suffer from heat stroke, sun burn, and the heat can cause insomnia,” noted executive director of The Mustard Seed Mario Borba. “Right now, The Mustard Seed is looking for donations of bottled water, sunscreen.”

The Mustard Seed on West Victoria Street has its doors open from 11-6 daily. The non-profit is working on expanding those hours. It’s providing free bottled water and juice to keep people hydrated.

The heat has put more demand on shelters. Capacity at The Emerald Centre has jumped to 90 per cent. The temporary shelter on Royal Avenue sits at 80 per cent. Both were operating between 50 and 70 per cent in recent weeks.

For Jacqueline and her husband, who have been on the Kamloops streets for about three years, they say it’s tough getting into those shelters as a couple.

“Some workers came and talked to us about it, but they’re all for singles,” she said. “We’re just waiting for one for couples to open up.”

In the meantime, they have to brave the extreme heat for another few days.